Milo: Talent is state’s ‘Premier Challenge’

Posted: Friday, September 8, 2017

Blair Milo says she has always been motivated to solve complex challenges. In her new role as Secretary of Career Connections and Talent, the former LaPorte mayor, is getting a chance to do just that. Governor Eric Holcomb named Milo to the newly-created, cabinet level position in July, and already she says she sees the enormity of the challenge and views communication as an immediate priority.

“Engaging our partners and ensuring we are communicating across the board,” said Milo, who calls talent a “premier issue,” in particular, matching the right people with the right opportunities. “Utilizing the data that is already being collected by the Department of Workforce Development, growing some of that information and tailoring it to what the community needs are specifically.”

In an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Milo said talent development and attraction are issues facing communities statewide.

Last month, Holcomb and Milo unveiled the ‘Next Level Jobs’ initiative, a $20 million training effort aimed at high-demand, high-wage jobs throughout the state. The funding covers tuition costs for adults to earn career certificates in high-growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, construction, health, life sciences, logistics and information technology. The certificate programs will be available at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University campuses throughout the state.

During a statewide launch of the jobs initiative, Governor Holcomb said with the state’s unemployment rate hovering around three percent, there are currently nearly 100,000 job openings throughout Indiana.